Q&A: EDM heart-throb Nicky Romero talks ahead of DXBeach festival

DJ Nicky Romero. Courtesy Media Maven
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Epic dance music festival DXBeach is back on Friday November 18 – bringing another 15 hours of beats, sun and fun to Zero Gravity.

Taking centre stage is Nicky Romero, the 27-year-old Dutch decksmith who has attracted equal portions of attention and derision since bursting onto the scene with 2012 smash Toulouse.

It was perhaps both a blessing and a curse to have been branded an “EDM heath-throb”, but currently sitting at number 18 in DJ Mag’s influential Top 100 fans’ poll, we’d say Romero is getting the last laugh.

Ahead of the Dubai gig – which also features headliners Felix Jaehn, Kungs and Claptone – we took five with Romero.

What are you looking forward to most about DXBeach?

Being back in such an incredible place. I always love playing there – the setting, the crowd, it’s always a great show!

What was the tune of summer 2016 for you?

Major Lazer featuring Justin Bieber & MØ's Cold Water was pretty big.

Of all the famous faces you’ve encountered, who intimidated you the most?

I’m not sure I would use the word intimidated, but during Amsterdam Dance Event the other week I was in the same restaurant as Pharrell. I really wanted to go over and get a photo, but having been on the other side of it I also know that you don’t want to get interrupted all the time when having dinner, so I left it.

Just what IS it they put in the water in The Netherlands?

Ha ha! If we told you that, the secret would be out.

If you could steal any DJ’s (virtual or otherwise) record bag – whose would it be?

Carl Cox.

Your greatest vice?

Burgers. Pizza. I try to eat healthy most of the time but sometimes you just can’t resist.

What is the one thing you would save from a burning building?

My girlfriend.

Speciality in the kitchen?

I make some really good pancakes.

Anything else you’d like to tell our UAE readers?

I can’t wait to party with you guys.

DXBeach takes place at Zero Gravity, SkyDive Dubai, on Friday November 18. Tickets from Dh225 at platinumlist.ae.